Online sales help some retailers cushion blow from outbreak

Singapore

THE novel coronavirus outbreak may have turned wary consumers away from malls, but a corresponding shift to online shopping is providing some respite for retailers who previously took pains to build up integrated online sales channels.

Furniture retailer Ikea said it has "no doubt" seen fewer customers than expected in its Singapore stores at this time of the year, although it's unable to assess how much of the drop in footfall was due to concerns around the virus versus the Chinese New Year holiday period.